Royal National Mod boost for host town

The Royal National Mòd created a £3.55 million economic boost for Inverness, according to figures released today.

The nine day festival in October exceed its target by £1 million with over 9,000 unique visitors to a raft of competitions and events, 78% coming from outside the city.

67% of visitors were in Inverness with the sole purpose of attending the Mòd, while 25% lived in the Highland Capital.

Organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, the Mòd is hosted in a different town or city every year - not only engage more people in Gaelic culture, but also to boost the local economy.

Findings from the 2014 festival show there was huge return on Highland Council’s investment in the event, with £19 spent for every £1 invested in their governing area and this rose to £25 for every £1 invested at a local level.

Royal National Mòd £3.5 million windfall for host town

3 February 2015

Mòd fans spent money by staying in a hotel, guest house, rented accommodation or hostel, going shopping, and visiting pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The atmosphere saw 61% say the “buzz” of the festival was “well above” or “above” expectations and 59% said Inverness as a host city was also as impressive, with the same percentage indicating that they would definitely come to the city for a future holiday/short break, another 16% said they would possibly do so.

Says John Morrison, chief executive of An Comunn Gàidhealach: “We are absolutely delighted with this report, especially as it unveiled 37% of attendees are learning or want to learn Gaelic and we want to see that figure grow.

“It confirms the value of the event and the return it can have for host cities, other funders and commercial sponsors - their support is hugely valued and we need it to continue. This return may have been even greater had we received additional funding and we look forward to over-coming the obstacles that make it difficult for, in particular, Creative Scotland to financially back The Mòd, as we have never managed to secure their support.

Martin Dorchester, Managing Director of CalMac, the Mod's principal commercial supporter, said: "We have always recognised that the Mod has a significant economic impact on the areas in which it is held as well as providing a valuable showcase for Gaelic language and culture. Everyone involved in the Inverness Mod is to be congratulated for their efforts and will be, I am sure, delighted to know that their hard work has contributed so much to the local economy."

This year’s Mòd takes place in Oban.